Apparatus for producing and controlling the vacuum in steam-heating systems.



L. HOPKINS. APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND CONTROLLING THE VACUUM IN STEAMHEATING SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.II. I9I4.

witnesses.

Z4 WA Zrn sg.

COLUMBIA PLANDuyAPH 120., WASHINGTON. D. c.

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND CONT APPLICATION FILED AUG.H. I914;1,152,634.

/72 l I- 1 I7. C. a

a 0 I 2 H7 /6 E 2/0 mo 49? 128 L. HOPKINS.

COLUMBIA PLANOIIRAPH (IQ-WASHINGTON, 17. C.

ROLLING THE VACUUM IN STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS.

Patented Sept. 7, 1915.

4 SHEETSSHEET 2.

war orncy.

' L, HOPKINS.

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND CONTROLLING THE VACUUM IN STEAM HEATINGSYSTEMS.

' APPLICATION FIL ED Aue.11.l9|4.

cOLuMElA PLANOGRAFH to WASHINGTON, D. C.

Patented Sept. 7, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3- 1. HOPKINS. APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND CONTROLLINGTHE VACUUM IN STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-II, I9l4.

Patented Sept. 7, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

m a 9 w W W n 7 u 4. W 9 1 v w 4 a mum n 2 mum x 4 n 2 7 a w 7 n Z O I 27 7 \mm 2 7 2 5 2 7 m.

witnesses.

COLUMBIA PLANQGRAPH 410-. WASHINGTON, D. c.

" .rrn ra'rns AENI oFFIc LESLIE HOPKINS, OFKANSAS CITY, ivrrssouixii-APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND CONTROLLING THE VACUUM IN STEAM-HEATING-SYSTEMS.

Application filed August 11, 1914.

To all "whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LESLIE HOPKINS, a citizen of the United Statesof'America, residing at Kansas City, in the county of Jackson and Stateof Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inSystems and Apparatus for Producing and Controlling the Vacuum inSteam-Heating Systems; and I do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enableothers to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification,

The invention is related to apparatus for producing and maintaining avacuum in the steam radiating pipes in steam heating systems, wherebythe airresistance to the circulation of the steam is prevented, and thecost of steam production is minimized.

The principal objects of the invention are: First: to effect suctionupon the air in the steam pipes by the direct action of the live steam,thereby dispensing with the ordinary pump. Second: toincrease theefficiency of the service supply of live steam, for effecting the vacuumin the vacuum tank. Third: to obtain a vacuum in the vacuum tank automatically, and immediately following the breaking of the vacuum,-andwith increased steam supply efficiency when the steam pressure is belowatmospheric pressure. Fourth: to control the delivery of the live steamto the vacuum tank, independently of steamoperated devices. Fifth: toobtain a uniform positive action of the water valve in vacuunr tanks,when the pressure of the steam is diminished. Sixth: to control theaction of the water and steam valve, by the water service pressure.'Seventh: mechanism co-acting with a motor and steam-feeding system toautomatically control the ac tion of the motor, upon cessation of theflow of the steam. Eighth: means for controlling the intermittent actionof combined water actuated and steam supply valves, for combined steamand water service systems; and ninth: to insure the adequacy of thesupply of steam to the vacuum tank, in the action of the motor.

The invention consists in certain novel features of construction andcombination of parts, which will be first fully described and 'thenspecifically pointed out in the claims,

Specification of Letters Patent.

PatentedSept. *7, 1915.

Serial No. 856,228.

reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which like numeralsof reference in all the figures thereof, indicate like parts. I

Figure 1. is a view, in elevation, ofa steam generating and heatingplant embodymg a vacuum tank, showing the invention applied thereto.Figs. 2. and 3. are rear and front views, respectively, of the novelapparatus, for producing and controlling the vacuum in the vacuum tanks.Fig. 4. is a plan view of the same. Fig. 5. is a vertical, longitudinal,sectional view, takenupon the lme 00, x, in Fig. 2. Fig. 6. is atransverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 0, 0,-on Fig. 4,looking in the direction of the water motor. Fig. 7. is'a longitudinal,sectional view of. the spring-controlled.reproducing tube and shockabsorber, taken. on the line y, y, on Fig. 4. Fig. 8. is a vertical,sectional view of the valve chamberafor the water motor, taken ontheline a, 2, on. Fig. 4, and showing the inlet pipe. Fig; 8 is a vertical,sectional view, taken through the water supply valve boX, the valvecasing showing the rotative or oscillating valve and valve stemcontrolled by the reciprocating tube, and taken on the line l, Z, onFig. 4. Fig. 9. is a view of the forwardend of the valve chamber,showing the valve stem, and a sectional portion of the spring retractedcontrolling bar, to which it is pivotallyattached. Fig. 9 is a detailview of the pivoted end of the crank arm on the water valve, and aportion ofthe valve operating bar. Fig. 10. is a detail view, inperspective, of the duplex steam cut-ofi piston valves, in the steamcylinder. Fig. 11; is a detail view, in perspective, of the inner,hollow cylinder for the piston valves in the steam cylinder, showing theports and valveguiding rib on the inner: surface of the cylinder. Fig.19.. is a detail view of the oscillating water cut-off valve, in thevalve casing on the water motor, and Fig. 13. is the valve stem in saidcasing. Fig. 14. is a view, in perspective, of a form of thermostat,which may be employed as an alternate means for controlling the movementof the sliding bar which opens the water valve in the water valvechamber. V

.15 indicates a steam generating upright boiler, of well-knownconstruction, and 16 indicates the delivery pipe therefrom, which, asshown, extends upwardly and is connectcent the valve stem,

ed with the outer end portion of a pipe 17, of reduced diameter, inwhich is an ordinary steam cut-oil valve 18.

20 indicates an ordinary steam circulating heat radiator, with the base19, of which the inner end of the pipe 17 is connected.

21 indicates the air pipe leading from the radiator, the upper end ofwhich terminates near the line of the top of the radiator, and withwhich end is connected an ordinary thermostat valve 22, whichautomatically closes when the live steam reaches the valve, and raisesthe temperature of the radiator. Vith the thermostat valve casing isconnected a short pipe 23, which is also connected with the upperportion of the radiator.

24 indicates a hermetical vacuum-producing tank for the rapidcondensation of live steam, and the consequent production of a vacuumwhich acts as subsequently referred to, to draw the air from theradiator or radiators at all times when the thermostat valve is open.

With the bottom plate 25, of the tank 24, is connected the upper endportion of a U- shaped pipe 26, which acts as a trap for the water ofcondensation, and in the inner end of the pipe is a check valve 27. Ashort pipe 28 extends through the vertical wall plate of the tank 24, ata point a short distance below the line of the horizontal top plate 30,of the tank for the outward expansion of the air, and in said pipe is acheck valve 29. A three-way pipe connection 31, at the outer end of pipe28, is connected by means of a vertical pipe 32, with a three-way pipeconnection 33, on the outer end of the extension of the U-shaped pipe26, from which connection 33, a pipe 34 extends, to a suit able basin orsewer.

Downwardly through the central portion of the top plate 30, of tank 24,extends the water cock 35, a flange 36 thereon being hermeticallysecured to the top plate. The valve stem 37, inthe upper end of the cock35 is shown in Fig. 5, and with the stem is connected a short crank arm38, which is operated as hereinafter described. In order to cause aspray of the water discharged within the tank, a perforatedupwardly-curved plate 39 is suspended beneath the inner end of the cook35, by the depending rods 40, the water discharged from the cock beingsprayed upon the inner surfaces of the tank and through said perforatedplate. The supply of water to the cock 35 is through the pipe 41,leading from the street water service pipe, the inner end of which pipeis connected with the outer end of the cock adjaas seen in Fig. 1,

The outer end portion of the air-conducting pipe 21, connected with theradiator 20, extends to and is connected with a fourway pipe jointconnection 42, upon the upper surface of the top plate 30, of the vacuumtank, and in said pipe 21 is a check valve 43. The pipe connection 42,for the purpose hereinafter mentioned, is of large capacity. One openingin the said connection opposite the entrance of the air pipe 21, isclosed by a plug 44, and connected with said plug is an arm 45, theouter end portion 46 of which is bent at right angles and extended in anupward direction, for the purpose further described.

Asteam conducting pipe 47 is connected with the lower opening in thepipe connection 42, and extends downwardly through the top plate 30, ofthe vacuum tank, at a point intermediate the position of the cook 35 andthe vertical side plate of the tank 24, the lower end of the pipeterminating at a point approximately one-half the distance downwardlyfrom the line of the top plate 30, in the direction of the bottom plate25, of the tank.

The discharge of the steam and air within the vacuum tank, followed bythe spray of water, produces a rapid condensation of the steam and apump action or suction upon the air, in the air pipe 21, caused by thevacuum formed in said tank, to control and maintain which vacuum acombined motor and steam supply regulating apparatus 50 is arranged inposition above the upper surface of the top plate 30, of the vacuumtank, and supported thereon, the details of con struction of which beingnow specifically referred to. This apparatus consists mainly of ahydraulic motor 48, and a steam cutoif and supply piston valve device49, which is actuated by the motor. The hydraulic motor consists of thehollow body cylinder 51, hermetically closed by the outer and inner endplates 51 51, respectively, within which are the cup-shaped pistons 52,53, re versed in position and mounted fixedly upon the inner end of thepiston rod 54, as seen in Fig. 5. Upon the upper surface of the cylinderand supported by the bracket 55, is a circular valve casing 56, thebracket being a part of and located upon one side of the casing. lVithinthe casing is a circular valve chamber 57 extending transversely theretoand in the direction of the lower portion of the casing and eccentricthereto. Within the casing are two ports 58 and 59, extending inopposite directions upwardly and in radial lines from the center of thechamber. Connected with these ports are the water conducting pipes 60and 61, respectively, which extend downwardly in the direction of andconnected with the respective ports 62 and 63, in the upper portion andrespective outer and inner ends of the cylinder 51. In the bracket 55 isan opening 64, larger in circumference than the chamber 57, as seen inFig. 8*,and extending through said opening is an externallyscrewthreaded shoulder 65, on the outer surface of the valve casing.With the shoulder 65 is connected an internally screw-threaded thimble66, which bears hermetically against the outer surface of the bracket.Upon the reverse side of the valve casing is a laterally extendedshoulder or extension 67, formed integral therewith, through whichextends an opening 68, ofreduced size to that of the chamber 57 and towhich shoulder is connected, by means of a ni ple 69, the valve box 70,having a chamber (0*, the nipple extending within an opening 71, in theinner side wall 72, of the box, adjacent the upper end thereof, as seenin dotted lines in Fig. 8. Upon the outer portion of the valve box is anannular, externally-screw-threaded extension 73, having an opening 74,in line horizontally with the opening 71, and upon said extension is aninternally screwthreaded stufiin g box 75, through which'extends arotary valve stem 76, upon the inner end of which stem is fixed adepending valve block 77, upon the lower end and outer face portion ofwhich is an insert or block 78, composed preferably of rubber. Withinthe lower portion and outer wall 70* of the valve box 70, extends theinner end of a nipple 79, the opening in which is directly opposite therubber insert 78, on thevalve.

77, and normally closed thereby. A sup. ply pipe 80, for water underpressure, is connected with the outer end portion of the nipple 79, andits outer portion is bent at right angles and extended downwardly andconnected at 81 with the water service and supply pipe 41, as seen inFig. 1. In the supply pipe is a cut-01f valve 82.

The exhaust port 83, for the water from the valve casing 56 (see Fig. 5)is located in the upper portion thereof, at a point equidistant from theports 58 and 59. lVith the port 83 is connected one end of a waterconducting pipe 84:, the outer end portion 85 being bent at right anglesand extended downwardly and connected with the threeway pipe connection31, through which the air is discharged from the vacuum tank. The valve86, for the valve chamber 57, consists of a spring plate, bent'toforin alongitudinally split hollow cylinder, the ends of the plate beingseparated by the opening 86*, a slight distance, for retaining a closefrictional contact with the inner surface of the chamber 57, as seen indetail in Fig. 12. The cylindrical valve 86 is pro vided with the ports87 and 88, in opposite positions and transverse to the longitudinal axisof the cylinder, and with a groove 89, constituting another port, in theupper portlon of the cylinder, the forward ports being adapted to comeinto position with the ports 58 and 59, alternately, and the rooved port89, which is in the arc of the circle of the outer circumference of thecylinder, extends in a transverse direction to the cylinder and beingadapted to open communication with the ports 83 and 58 and 59 and 83,for the alternate discharge of the liquid. The valve cylinder 86 isprovided with a plate 90, ex tending within one end of said cylinder,and securedthereto in a plane diametrically to the cylinder and beneaththe opening 86*. In said plate 90 is a longitudinal slot 91, extendingthreefourths the length of said plate, to permit of the expansion of thecylinder 86 against the inner surface of the chamber 57.

A valve stem 92 operates the valve 86, having a longitudinal groove 93,at its inner end seen in Fig. 13, Within which the outer end portion ofplate 90 is secured. This stem 92 extends'through the thimble 66, on theshoulder 65, on the valve casing 56, and through a stuffing box 93, onthe outer end portion of said thimble, and upon the outer end of saidstem is a depending crank arm 9 1, in which is a longitudinal slot 95,for the purpose further explained.

A crank arm 97 (see Fig. 9), which is connected at its upper end rigidlywith the valve stem 76, extends downwardly, approximately a slightdistance below a line horizontal with the lower surface of the bottom ofthe valve box 69, and a portion 98 is bent at right angles and extendedinwardly in the direction of and adjacent said cylin der, and ashortportion 98 bent upwardly at 99, as seenin Fig. 9, to which portionis pivotally and loosely connected, at'99 one end of a longitudinallymovable valve-opcrating and motor-actuating bar 100. A plate 101,rigidly connected with the vertical outer surface of the rear end 70, ofthe valve box 69, extends downwardly below the line of the bottom ofsaid box, and is provided with a transverse opening 102 (see Fig. 8),through which the said sliding bar 1.00 extends. Extending around thebar 100 is a coiled, expansible spring 103, which bears upon the innersurface of the plate 101 and against a fixed lug 10 on said bar, thespring 103 acting, when compressed, to expand and open the valve 77, inthe valve box 70.

The steam valve device 10 consists of a hollow cylinder 105, closedhermetically by the respective outer and inner end plates 106, 107,bolted to the outwardlyextended flanges of the cylinder, as shown, thecircumference of which is the same as the cylinder 56, of the hydraulicmotor.

Parallel connecting plates 108 and 109, of the requisite length, areconnected integrally with the outer surfaces of the end plates 51 and107, of the respective cylinders 51 and 105, said plates being spacedapart in a vertical position, the requisite distance. Within thecylinder 105 is a valve-carrying cylinder 110, which is approximatelyone-half the circumference of the outer cylinder 105, which cylinder 110is provided with outwardly-extended flanges 110*, which are secured tothe inner surfaces of the outer and inner plates 106 and 107 by thebolts 111. Ports 112, 113 and 114 are made in the cylinder 110, theopenings being in the direction of the circumference of said cylinderand spaced equal distances apart, and located intermediate the ends ofsaid cylinder (see Fig. 11).

The duplex valves, which act to regulate the admission of the steam tothe vacuum tank, consists of Separate cylindrical spring plates 115 and116, the ends being separated by a slight space, as seen at 115 and116*, of the respective plates, the plates being slightly compressed,and therefore under tension when the plates are inserted within thecylinder 110 (see Fig. 10). Centrally perforated bars 117, 118, in therespective cylindrical plates 115 and 116, are connected at their endswith the inner surfaces of the plates, and upon one side of therespective openings 115*, 116*, and extend diametrically to the platestherefrom, and rotatable therein. The bars 117 and 118, supporting thevalves are mounted on the inner end portions of a valve stem 119, thevalve-supporting bar 118 being fixed rigidly on said stem, at a pointinwardly from the outer end of said stem, to permit of the stroke fromthe position of the ports 112 and 113, to the end plate 107, of thecylinder. The valve-supporting bar 117 is loosely mounted on the valvestem, and at the outer end of said stem is a retaining nut 120. In thestroke of the cylindrical valve 116, toward the end plate 107 of thecylinder, the cylindrical valve 115 is moved by the contact with nut120, thereby closing the ports 112, 113 and 114, while a movement of thevalve 116 in a reverse direction the valves contact with each other andmove in unison, to complete the stroke and keeping the ports 112, 113and 114 closed. Between the cylinders 105 and 110 is formed a circularchamber 121. In the lower portion of the cylinder 105 is an opening 122,in communication with the steam expanding chamber 121, within thecylinder 105, extending around the cylinder 110, in which opening isfitted a short length of pipe 123, the lower end of said pipe beingfitted to the four-way pipe connection 42, into which the air pipe 21from the radiator 20 extends. The outer end plate 106, of the cylinder105, is provided with an opening 124, for the entrance of the steam, andof the same inner circumference as the cylinder 110. A flange 125, uponthe outer surface of said end plate extends around said opening, and isinternally screw-threaded, and fitted to said flange is an externallyscrewthreaded end of a short pipe 126, with which pipe is connected 2.three-way pipe connection 127. An independent pipe 128 is connected withthe pipe connection 127, which extends to and is connected at 128", to athree-way pipe connection in the supply pipe 16, leading from the steamgenerator to the radiator 20 (see Fig. 1). 1n the pipe 128, adjacent thepipe connection 127, is a cut-off valve 130. A pipe 131, connected atits lower end with the pipe 128, is provided with a gage 132, at itsupper end, which registers the degrees of steam pressure at thegenerator 15. A pipe 133 is also connected at its lower end with the topplate 30, of the vacuum tank, and with its upper end is connected a'gage134, which indicates the force of the vacuum within the tank 24.

The means for steam valve control in the cylinder 110 is as follows: Theinner end of the valve'stem 119 extends through the inner end plate 107,of cylinder 105, and through the stuffing box 135, and the inner end ofthe piston rod 54, in the hydraulic cylinder 51 extends through the endplate 51 and the stufling box 136, on said end, the said ends of thepiston rod and valve stem being screw-threaded and connected with thescrew threaded opening 138, extending transversely through thereciprocating crosshead or block 137, with the lateral surface of whichblock are connected integrally the wing or guide plates 139, the outersurfaces of which plates move reciprocally upon the longitudinal,frictional surfaces of the plates 140, which are bolted to the innersurfaces of the connecting plates 108, 109, for the cylinders 51 and 105(see Fig. 6). A tube 141, located directly beneath and in vertical lineswith the outer ends of the piston rod 54 and stem 119, is connected atits ends rigidly with the lower portions of the respective end plates 51and 107, of the cylinders 51 and 105, in the upper surface of which is alongitudinal opening 142, extending from a position a short distancefrom the end connected with the end plate 107, to the opposite end ofsaid tube. In the lower portion of the tube is a longitudinal opening143, extending from the line of the outer surface of endplate 51, aboutonethird the distance toward the end plate 107, of cylnde-r 105 (seeFig. 5). A reciprocating plate 144extends upwardly through the opening143 and to the line of the opening 142, and a forward, curved lockingprojection or catch-pin 145 extends from the upper surface of said plate144, in line with its vertical surface, in the direction of the endplate 51, of cylinder 51. A longitudistem 1416, a short distance fromits end, in the upper surface of which lug is a depression or opening1419. A coiled compression spring 116 extends around the stem 116, oneend bearing against the plate 114, and the other end against the lug 118. An arm 150 is connected with the lower portion of the head block137, which is bent a short distance therefrom and extended horizontallyin the direction of the end plate 107, of the cylinder 105, and to apoint above 7 the lug 1 18, in tube 111, and a portion 151 extendeddownwardly within the opening 119, in said lug. Extending from and inopposite directions to the arm 150-is a trip plate 150*.

152 indicates a hinged stop or catch plate for the reciprocating plate 11-1, which is located directly beneath the stuffing box 136, for thepiston 51, and extends transversely to the upper surface of the tube111, the ends of saidplate having upward extensions 153, which arepivotally connected with the inner surfaces of the respective connectingplates 108 and 109 to the cylinders 51, and 105 (see Figs. 1 and 6). Thelines of the free end of catch plates 152 are reduced or curvedinwardly, as seen in Fig. 4, and upon the lower surface of said end is acatch pin 154, which is in the path of travel of the projection or pin145, on the upper surface of the plate 111. A flat spring plate 155bears upon the upper surface of-the catch plate 152, the inner endportion of which spring plate is secured to the lower surface of thestuffing box 136.

A lever arm 156, having a forked upper end, is pivotally connected withthe lower end portion of the reciprocating plate 144, with the centralportion of which arm is connected pivotally a link 157, said links alsobeing pivotally connected with upper end portion 416, of the arm 45, ontheplug 44, on the pipe connection 12, for the steam and air. A link 158is also pivotally con nected with the lower end of the bar 156, and withthe upper end portion of the crank arm 38, on the valve stem 37, of thewater supply cook 35, in the top 30, of the vacuum tank. Directly abovethe cylinder 105, and supported by'the standard 160 is a thermodynamicregulator, consisting of a her metical vessel or receiver 161, for thelive steam. A supply pipe 162 extends at one end within the receiver andthrough the bot tom plate 163, a slight distance, in which are inletopenings 164 (see Fig. 5). The other end of the pipe 162 is connectedwith an elbow 164:, which elbow is in steam connection with thethree-way pipe connection 127, through the plug 165, in one of theopenings in the side of said pipe connection.

A volatile liquid container 166 is arranged within the. steam receptacle161, which is provided with hermetically connected concave topand'bottom'plates or heads 167 and 168, respectively, the latter plate167' resting upon the blocks 169, on oppositesides of the upper portionof the steam pipe 162, extending within the receiver. A'plunger rod 170is connected with the central portion and upper surface of the top plate167, and extends upwardly through the top plate'17-l, of said receiverand through a stuffing box 172, and is forked at said ends and pivotallyconnected with a transverse bar 173, which bar is pivotally connected at17%, with the upper end portion of a vertical bar 175, extending aconsiderable distance above the line of the top plate 171, of thereceiver, its lower end being rigidly connected with the inner surf-aceof said receive-r (see Fig.2).

Extending around the plunger rod 170 is a spiral compressible spring 176, the upper end of which spring bears against the inner surface of thetop plate 171, and the lower end upon the upper surface of the top plateor head 167, ofthe container.

The free end of the bar 173 extends to a position above the end portionof the longitudinal bar 100, connected with the valve operating crankarm 97, adjacent the cylinder 105. A downwardly extended bar 177 ispivotally connected at its upper end with the free end of the bar 17 3,and its forward end extended downwardly through theout ward'ly-extendedguide flanges 178, 179, on the vertical plate 180, connected with thereceiver 161, the lowerend of said bar being provided with an opening181, through which the bar 100 extends.

The container 166- is supplied with a liquid, which when subjected tothe heat from the steam expands, and consequently forces the heads 167and 168 outwardly, raising the plunger rod 170 and compressing thespring 176, and raising the rod 180 and the free end of bar 100. Theliquid employed is alcohol, although other expansibl'e volatile liquidsmay be used. Upon the outer surface of thebar 100, approximatelyintermediate the guide bar 101 and the depending bar 177, is a flat stopplate 182, which extends a short distance below the line of the lowersurface of said bar,-for the pur pose further explained. J

The means for controlling the action of the motor when the force of'thevacuum inthe' vacuum tank diminishes, consists of a longitudinalreciprocating tube 185, located upon the rear or reverse, side of thecylinders 51 and 105. to that having the valve-operating bar 100 (seeFigs. at and 7). Theltube 185 is supported by and movable within theencircling guide brackets 188 and 18%, secured to the periphery of theend plates 51 and 107, of the respective cylinders 51 and 105, at apoint on saidperiphery a short distance below a line horizontal with theupper surface of the connecting plate 109, for the respective cylinders.The ends of the tube are movable within the shock-bearing cylindricalsockets 186, 187, and, of increased cir cumference to the tube 185, asseen in section 5 in Fig. 7, in contact with the plunger 188, carried bythe guide pins 189. Coiled springs 190, extending around the pins, bearagainst the inner surface of the plunger-s and the ends of the sockets,the pins 189 extending through the said ends and being provided withheads 191. The ordinary dash pot may, however, be substituted for thespring-recoiled plungers, if preferred. Sockets 186 and 187 are heldfixedly in position by the brackets 192, secured rigidly thereto and tothe outer plate 106, of the cylinders 105, andalso to the flange on thecylinder 51, respectively. p r V In the endsof the tube 185, which arein- 20 ternally screw-threaded, are the screwthreadedplugs 193, 194,each plug having a head 195, which closes against the end portions ofthe tube. A longitudinal recipro eating plunger 196 is located withinthe tube 185, having circumferentially reduced outer end portions 197,upon the ends of which portions are the fixed caps 198. Spiral springs199 and 200 are inserted within the tube 185, of the same length andexpansibility, one end of the spring 199 bearing against the cap 198, atone end of plunger 196, and the other end against the cap 193, and theends of spring 200 bearing against the cap 198, at the other end of theplunger and the cap 195, in tube 185, respectively.

' In the central portion of the plunger 196 is a transverse opening 201(see Fig. 7).

The connecting plate 109, at 109*, and also the inner surface of thetube 185 opposite 40 the opening 201 in the plunger, are provided with alongitudinal opening 202 (see Fig. 6), of the length to afford thereciprocations of the plunger. A flat bar 203 is secured at its innerend to the upper surface of the i5 head block 137, the other endextending transversely thereto and within the opening 202, on the tube185, and also within the opening 201, in the plunger 196, in the saidtube. Upon the upper surface of the head block and plate 203 is securedthe inner end of a bar or arm 204 (see Fig. 6), the other end of whichbar extends to within a short distance of the inner surface of theconnecting plate 108, to the cylinders, thence 5 bent in an upwarddirection above the line of the upper surface of said plate, thencetransversely thereto and extended in the path of the top plate 182, onthe valve-controlling bar 100.

An upright power-transmitting bar 205 is provided with a collar 206, atits lower end, which extends around the reciprocating tube 185, adjacentthe inner end of the shock-absorbing socket 187, said collar having aset screw 207, securing the collar to the tube. A pin on the outersurface and upper end of bar 205 enters the slot 95, in the crank arm94, on the valve stem 76, controlling valve 77, in the valve box 70.

In order to hold the. tube 185 from a recoiling movement incident to thecompression of either spring 199 or 200, within the tube, two narrowplates 208 and 209 (see Fig. 4), are pivotally connected at their outerends to the upper surface of the horizontal rib 109*, on the outersurface of the connecting plate 109. Upwardly-extending pins 210 areconnected with the upper surface and outer ends of these plates 208 and209, the said ends of the plates being yieldingly held from inwardmovement by the coiled springs 212, 213, bearing at one end against theinner surface of said ends and also against the outer surface of plate109. These plates are tripped in the alternate reciprocal movements ofthe tube 185, by means of plate 214, secured to the upper surface of thebar 203, on the cross-head 137, the inner surfaces of which extend fromeach end toward the bar 203, in inwardlycurved lines, as seen in Fig. 4.

Upon the outer surfaces and end portions of plates 208, 209 are catchpins 215 and 216, respectively, the outer surfaces being outwardlycurved. Upon the reciprocating tube 185 are fixed collars 217 and 218(see Fig. 2), upon the portions of which opposite the yielding plates208, 209 are the catch pins 219, 220, respectively, whose surfaces aresimilar, but curved in a manner to readily move over the curved surfacesof the stop pins 215 and 216. The collars 217, 218 are arranged on thetube 185, between the brackets 183 and 184, and spaced apart therequisite distance and short distances from the respective brackets, andin the reciprocations of the tube moving in close position to therespective brackets. A collar 221, fixed to said tube and movable withina short distance of the outer surface of the bracket 183 in thereciprocation of the tube 185, is provided on its lower surface with acatch-pin 221 (see Fig. 2).

222 indicates the controlling lever for the apparatus and the movementof the hydraulic motor, consisting ofa horizontal bar pivoted at a pointintermediate its ends to the outer end portion of a bracket or bar 222(see Fig. 4), which is connected at its inner end rigidly with the outersurface of the connecting plate 109, for the cylinders 51, 105,immediately below the rib 109*, as seen in Fig. 6 One end of the lever222 extends a short distance past a vertical line extending through theouter surface of the guide bracket 183, for the tube 185, and is halvedat 223, inwardly from the end, and provided with an outwardly curvedcatchpin 222*, which comes into engagement with the catchpin 219, in thecollar 218, on tube 185, in the manner further described. The other endof lever 222 extends to a position in a vertical line with the bracket184, sup-. porting said tube.

225 indicates the vacuum controlled col lapsible governor (see Figs. 3and 7), which consists of a cup-shaped vessel 226, having outwardflanges 227, upon which is seated a thin diaphragm 228, covering saidvessel. A circular plate or ring 229 extends upon the upper surfaces ofthe diaphragm and is bolted to said flanges 2.27 by the bolts 229*,passing through the outer portions. of the diaphragm, which is composedof a yielding material, such as rubber cloth, or maybe a thin metallicplate, as preferred.

A. bracket, having a top plate 230., is, pro: vided withdownwardly-extended portions 231, extending toward the diaphragm228, andtheir ends bent at right angles and se cured to the ring 229 and.diametricallythereto. Through a perforation in the top plate 230, of thebrackets, extends one end of a. rod 232, the lower end of said rodextending through the center of the diaphragm and provided with afixedcap 233, which bears upwardly on the inner surface of said diaphragm.The upper end of the rod 232 is. screw-threaded andprovided with anadjusting nut 234, on the, portion of the rod beneath the top plate230.

is a coiled compression spring, extending around the rod 232, one end ofwhich bears on the upper surface of the diaphragm and the other endagainst said nut.

With the outer end of the rod 232 is connected a cap 236, having forkedplates 237, pivotally connected with the adjacent end of lever 220, aslight distance inwardly from its end, so as to bear on the cap, in itsmovement downwardly. The cupshaped vessel 226 is supported by theoutwardly-extended perforated horizontal plate 238, which is connectedat 239 (see Fig. 3) with a bracket 240, secured at its rear end to theouter surface of the end plate 51, of the cylinder 51.

In the lowerportion of the vessel 226 is an opening 239 (see Fig. 7) andwith said opening is connected the upper end of a pipe 241, whichextends through the perforation 23, in the plate 238, the lower end ofwhich pipe extends within the top plate 30, of the vacuum tanks 24 (seeFig. 1).

In operation, steam as generated passes through the pipe 128, to thesteam valve cylinder 110, upon the opening of the valve 130, and waterunder its pressure, which is usually of hydraulic efficiency in thestreet service supply, is admitted from the supply pipe 41 to the pipe80, leading to the valve chamber in the valve box 70, upon the openingof the cut-0E valve 82. In the position shown, of the operative parts ofthe apparatus, the piston 52, of the hydraulic motor, is at the end ofan outward stroke, hence the inner valve 116, of the duplex valves is atthev end of the inner stroke, the, steam having been admitted throughthe ports 112, 113, preceding such 1 movement, the other valve 115 beingmoved over, and now closcylinder 110. The temperature of the live steamin the receiver 161, which has en tered from the pipe 162, has expandedthe volatile fluid within the container, and consequently the plungerrod 170 has moved upwardly and compressed the spring, 176 and raised thebar 177, and by it the free end of the sliding valve-operating bar 100raising the stop .plate 182 from contact with the arm on bar 204, on thereciprocating head block and permitting the previously compressed spring103 to expand and move thevalve-operating crank arm into the positionseen in dotted lines in Figs. 1 and 2, and opening valve 77, the waterpassing through the opening 71, in the valve box 70, to the valvechamber 57, in the valve casing 56. Coincident with the movement of thecross head 137 in the direction of the cylinder 51, to eifect theoutward stroke of the piston 52, the spring 199, in the tube 185, hasbeen compressed by the plunger 196, and the end of the reciprocatingtube 185, in the direction of the shock-absorbing socket 187, has movedwith great force within the socket and the shock absorbed,

.ing the steam ports 112, 113, in the valve the catch pin 220, on thecollar 218, having passed the catch-pin 216, on the yielding bar 209 andengaged with said pin and the catch pin 219 on collars 217, engage withpin 215, on the yielding bar 208, hence a reverse movement of the tube185 is checked. The arm 150, on the cross-head 137, in this movement,has compressed the spring 146*, thereby moving the sliding plate 144 tothe end of tube 141, in the direction of cylinder 51, the catch plate152* having been raised by the trip plate 150*. In this position of theplate 144, the upper end of the pivoted bar 156, is moved outwardly andthe lower end inwardly, and the crank arm 38, on the valve stem 37, ismoved into the position as seen in full lines in Figs. 1 and 2, open ingthe valve 37 for the entrance of the water from the water service andsupply pipe, to the cock, the water passing through the cock is sprayed,as before described. The live steam which has been admitted to thevacuum tank 24, has passed through the pipe connection 42, from thechamber 121, in the cylinder 105, in which the steam expands into thevacuum tank, and the sprayed water within the tank has condensed thesteam, forming a partial vacuum therein. The movement of thereciprocating tube 185 into the position as described, has acted to movethe crank arm 94'on the rotative valve 186- into a position to out offthe water pressure, and admit the water through port 58, bringing thegrooved port and exhaust port in the casing into communication, and thewater entering the pipe 60 exerts its pressure against the cylinder 52,hence, as the piston begins an inward movement in the direction of theend plate 51, of the cylinder 51, the water is discharged from the rearof piston, through the pipe 61, and the single groove port 89, in thevalve 86, with which it comes into communication, and the water isdischarged through the pipe 81, thence through pipe 31 into the sewer.Upon the movement of the crosshead 137, in the direction of the cylinder105, and at the moment the trip bar 211, on the cross bar, strikes thepin 210, on the yielding plate 208, the inward movement of said platesreleases the catch pin 215, on said plate, and the pin 219, on thecollar 217, on the tube 185, consequently the spring 199, in said tube,previously compressed, expands, forcing the reciprocating tube in thedirection of the shock-absorber 186, thereby moving the crank arm 91into the dotted position as seen in Fig. 2, the piston, in the meantime,having completed its inward stroke. Coincident with this movement ofthepiston 32, the arm 201, on the cross-head, compresses the spring 200, onthe other end of the tube 185, and forcing the end of the tube withinthe shockabsorber 186, the catch 220, in the collar 218, moving over andengaging with the catch pin 216, on the yielding plate 209, hence themovement of the tube 185 is checked. Simultaneously with the inwardpiston movement, the arm 150, on thecrosshead block 137, moves thesliding lug 118 into contact with the head 117, on the stem 116, drawingupon said stem, and consequently the plate 111, having the catch pin115, in the direction of the cylinder 105, until the catch pin 151, onthe pivoted plate 150, which moves downwardly upon the withdrawal of thetrip 150, engages with the catch pin 115, on the plate 111, and theplate 111 is locked in positionthereby. In this movement of the plate111- the position of the crank arm 38, on the water cock, is reversed inposition, cutting ofi the supply of water to the vacuum tank and movingsaid crank arm into the position seen in dotted lines in Fig. 2. 1n themovement described of the piston 52, the steam valve 116, in itsmovement toward the outer head 106, or" the cylinder 105, comes intocontact.

with the valve 115, and both move in unison, cutting off the supply ofsteam through the ports 112, 113, until a reverse movement, or themovement of the piston 52 in the direction of the head 51*, takes place,in which movement the reverse action of the reciprocating tube 185 takesplace, and is held as in the first instance described, by the catch pin206*, on the yielding plate 209.

In this reverse movement of the piston 52, the plate 111 being locked inposition, the

. movement of the lug 118 against'the spring imparts tension thereto,the trip plate 150 immediately engaging beneath the catch plate 152,releasing the catch pin 151 from engagement with the catch pin 115, onthe sliding plate 111, and said plate recoils against the head plate 51,to the-cylinder 51, and bringing the head 117, on the stem 116, whichhas projected a short distance beyond the lug, in contact with the lug,and reversing the position of the pivoted bar 156, and moving the crankarm 38 into the position-for admitting water to the vacuum chamber. Theoperations, as described, are repeated until the repeated supply ofsteam and the condensation is suflicient to effect a vacuum in thevacuum tank, and produce a suction on the diaphragm 228, of the vacuumcontroller, and cause a collapsing movement thereof, sufficient tocompress the spring 235, and draw down the pivoted end of the arm 222and cause the engagement of the catch pin 221, with the catch pin 219,

on the collar 218, on the reciprocating tube 185,'thereby causing theaction of the tube to cease, and also the crank arm 91, controlling thewater supply to the motor. When the steam has condensed in the vacuum161, the water of condensation passes through the same supply pipe 162,to the pipe 127, until subsequently discharged through the steam valveinto the vacuum tank. The volatile liquid container 106, becomingcooled, collapses, and under the compression of the spring 176, the bar177 moves downwardly, bringing the catch plate 182 in the path ofmovement of the arm 201, on the cross head block 137, and upon thereverse actionof the piston 52, of the hy draulic motor, the arm 201moves in the slidingbar 100, so as to close the valve 77, in the valvebox 70, and the action of the hydraulic motor ceases. The receiver 161is receiving the supply of steam at all times from the generator, and,consequently, upon a break in the vacuum in the vacuum tank the motorresumes action automatically until the vacuum is complete, and thecontrolling lever 222 checks the reciprocations of the tube 185, and thevalve action of water valve 86 ceases.

The apparatus affords means for producing a vacuum under a force of highor low steam pressure, and with rapid condensation, so that at all timesthe steam admitted to the radiators is employed with a higher degree ofeiiiciency than heretofore.

The invention is adapted to the use of ex haust steam, where the livesteam is employed for generating power, and the means for producingreversing movements adapted to various kinds of motors.

Instead of employing the volatile liquid container, as described, athermostat, as seen in Fig. let, may, if desired, be substituted, thereceiver in this instance comprising a hermetical vessel 2&5, the bottomplates 2&6 being inclined downwardly, from the ends 2 17 248, of thereceiver, to a point forming a V-shaped bottom. Side plates 2&9 areconnected with the end plates 2 17, 2&8, and a top plate 251 ishermetically connected with said side and end plates. Upon said topplate 251 are placed the thermostat,

composed of thin plates 252, 258, of dif-.

ferent metals, of different expansibilty and of the same size as the topplate 251. These thermostat plates are united together, and secured tothe receiver by a transverse bar 254, attached to one end of saidreceiver.

A fiat plate 255 is rigidly connected with one side plate 2&9, of thereceiver, and by means of which the receiver is bolted to the outerflange of the cylinder head 107, of the cylinder 105. A supply pipe 256extends through the plate 254, into the receiver, and is connected withthe steam supply pipe 162. \Vith the upper plate 252, of the thermostat,is connected a short horizontally-extended plate 256, the outer endbeing forked at 257, and with said forked end is pivotally connected theupper end of a bar 258, which is the same as the bar 177, on thereceiver 161, the lower end of the bar having an opening 259, for thereception of the sliding bar 100, operating the valve 77, in the watervalve box 70.

The invention affords unlimited power for operating all valves foreither steam or water, there being no dead centers to cause stoppage ofthe water. The live steam which is fed to create a vacuum in the vacuumtank and which expands within the cylinder 105, and thereby passes tothe vacuum tank in a large volume, and without subjecting the tank tothe high steam pressure of the steam generator in other steam vacuumreproducing systems, the action of the vacuum extending to thegenerator. The water of condensation in the vacuum tank 24: isdischarged from the tanks through the pipe 28, past the check valve 27,and through trap 26*, and thence to the sewer through pipe 34.

The variability of vacuum force within the vacuum tank, when the vacuumis formed, and which is requisite for checking the action of thehydraulic motor is controlledby the adjusting nut 23st, on the stem 232,in connection with the diaphragm 233, on the vacuum controller orgenerator 225, the condensation of steam which may follow with orwithout the spray of water under low temperatures surrounding the tank,and the expansion of the steam becomes materially'ot service and ofimportance, in order to effect the rapidity of condensation of thesteam.

It is evident that other radiators in a steam heating system areconnected up with the steam pipe, in a similar manner, the air pipesbeing similarly connected with the pipe connection It is also evidentthat instead of the radiators, a system of steam radiating pipes may beemployed for the steam, and arranged in any manner preferred, theapplication of the invention being obviously as efiicient as in the useof the radiators 20, and the independent pipe 129 may be supplied withexhaust steam from any suitable source, if desired, in which case thevalve 129 will be closed and the steam suppliedindependently of thegenerator, and from any suitable source.

Various changes in the construction and arrangement of the several partsof the invention may be made, and such other modifications employed asare within the scope of the appended claims.

Having fully described my invention, what I now claim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus, the combination witha closed vacuum tank, a supply pipe having a suitable source of supplyof the heating medium leading to said tank, an air pipe leading withinthe said tank, and with a valve in the supply pipe for the heatingmedium of a fluid pressure operated. device having a source of fluidsupply independent of the heating medium for controlling said valve.

2. In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus, the combination witha closed vacuum tank, a steam supply pipe having a suitable source ofsteam supply leading to said vacuum tank, and an air pipe leading withinthe said tank, of a heat expanded and controlled regulator in operativerelation with the steam pipe, a valve controlling the passage of thesteam to the vacuum tank, a motor controlling the opening and closing ofsaid valve, a vacuum controlled governor in communication with andcontrolled by the force of the vacuum within said tank acting to controlthe movement of said motor upon a maintenance of a vacuum within thesaid tank, and means controlled by said heat expanded regulator to startand stop the action of the motor.

8. In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus, the combination witha steam condensing closed tank, a steam supply pipe having a suitablesource of steam supply leading within said tank and a steam supplyvalve, a valve cock for delivering the water within the condensing tank,means co-acting to open and close said steam supply valve and said valvecock at predetermined intervals independent of the steam heat orpressure of the steam.

4:. In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus, the combinationwith a steam condensing tank, a steam supply pipe having a suitablesource of steam supply leading within said tank, a valve controlling theflow of the steam and with an air pipe leading within the said steamcondensing tank, of a fluid pressure operated device having its.

source of supply independent of the steam supply pipe and mechanismactuated thereby co-acting to open and close said steam and water valvesat predetermined intermissions.

5. In a vacuum producing apparatus, the combination witha closed vacuumtank for steam condensation and with means for supplying steam to saidtank, a steam supply valve, a pipe for the admission of air leadingwithin the vacuum tank of mechanism co-acting with the steam and airvalves to open and close said valves, a motor co-acting with saidmechanism, motor starting means, and a steam controlled thermo-dynamicregulator actuating the starting means to said motor.

6. In a vacuum producing apparatus for steam heating systems, thecombination with a closed vacuum tank, a steam pipe having a suitablesource of steam supply leading Within said tank, a steam supply valveand an air pipe leading within the said tank a water valve cock leadingwithin the said tank, and a water supply pipe leading from a suitablewater supply under pressure to said cock, a water motor, and valveoperating mechanism for said steanrvalve controlled by said motor, and asteam controlled regulator for the initial starting of the water motor.

7 In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus for withdrawing theair from the steam pipes in steam controlling systems, the combinationwith a vacuum tank, a steam pipe having a suitable source of steamsupply leading within said tank, and a valve controlling the supply ofsteam to said tank, anda water valve cock leading within said tank, anda water supply pipe leading from a source of water supply under pressureto said cock, a water motor actuated by and in communication with saidwater pipe controlling the opening and closing of the water and steamvalves, and a governor controlled by the maintenance of the vacuumwithin said tank controlling the action of the water motor.

8. In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus for withdrawing theair from the steam pipes in a steam heating system, a closed vacuumtank, and check-controlled discharging means for the water ofcondensation, of means for supplying steam to said tank, comprising avalve cylinder, an outer cylinder inclosing the valve cylinder having asteam chamber between the cyl nders, and a steam supply pipe connectedwith the valve cylinder, a piston rod, and movable and fixed pistonvalves on said rod, said valve cylinder having ports discharging thesteam within the steam chamber, a combined steam and air pipe leadingfrom the steam chamber within the vacuum tank, means for supplying steamto the valve cylinder, and means for actuating the piston valve rod atpredetermined intermissions.

9. In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus for withdrawing theair from the'steam pipes in a steam heating system, the combination witha closed vacuum tank, and check-controlled discharging means for thewater of condensation, of means for admitting the steam to the vacuumtank for condensation comprising an outer steam cylinder having heads,and an inner valve cylinder connected with said heads, said cylindershaving an expansion steam chamber between, said cylinder heads having anopening for the admission of the steam to the valve cylinder, and apiston rod extending through the other cylinder head, movable and fixedpiston valves on said piston rod, said valve chamber having portsleading within the steam chamber between the cylinders, a combined steamand air pipe leading from the steam chamber between the cylinders withinthe vacuum tank, means for conducting steam to the opening in the valvechamber, and a motor operating the piston valve rod.

10. In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus for withdrawing theair from the steam pipes, in steam heating systems, the combination witha closed vacuum tank, and check-controlled discharging means for thewater of condensation, of means for admitting the steam at intermissionswithin the vacuum tank, comprising an outer steam cylinder having heads,and an inner hollow cylinder supported by said heads, said cylindershaving a chamber between for the expansion of the steam, and said innercylinder having ports intermediate the ends thereof leading Within saidsteam expansion chamber, a piston valve rod within the valve cylinderand extending through one of said heads, and movable andfixed pistonvalves on said rod, and a steam supply pipe having a suitable source ofsteam supply extending through the other cylinder head,in communicationwith the valve chamber, a steam supply pipe leading from the steamchamber between the said cylinders within the vacuum tank, and means foroperating the piston rod at predetermined intermissions.

11. In a vacuum producing and maintain ing apparatus for withdrawing theair from the steam pipes in steam heating systems, the combination witha closed vacuum tank, and check-controlled discharging means for thewater of condensation, of means for controlling the admission of steamfor condensation and water to the vacuum tank for rapid condensation,comprising an outer .with the said valve cylinder, movable and fixedpiston valves .on said valve nod within said valve'cylinder, an air pipeleading within the tank, and a steam pipe leading from the steam chamberbetween said cylinders within said vacuum tank, a water pipe leading tothe vacuumtank, a d a a e c ling the supply of water for condensation ofthe steam to said tank, and means acting automatically at predeterminedperiods to pla rate the piston valve rod and open and close the Watervalve.

12, In a vacuum producing and maintaining apparatus for controlling theadmission of steam and Water to closed vacuum tanks for rapid steamcondensation, the

"combination with a closed vacuum tank, a steam supply plpe hav ng asuitable source of steam supply, and a valve controlling the supply ofsteam to the tank, a Water supply pipe leading to the said tank, and avalve controlling its discharge within the tank, re-

. ciprocating valve-operating mechanism acting to open and close thesteam supply valve at predetermined periods, and independent lockingmechanism for the water valve released automatically by thereciprocating steam valve operating mechanism.

13. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank, means for supplyingsteam and water to said tank for steam condensation, and suitable valvescontrolling the admission of the steam and air to saidtank, a motor andvalve operating mechanism actuated by said. motor, and a self-actingmotor controlling device controlled by the valve operating mechanism andacting intermittently to control the movement of the motor.

14:. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in'steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank, means for supplyingsteam and water to said tank for steam condensation, and a fluidpressure valve controlled motor, mechanism operated by the motor toalternately open and close the steam and Water valves, and self-actingmechanism controlled in its movement by the valve operating mechanismacting reciprocally to control the motor valve.

15. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank,

steam and water valves for supplyingsteam and water to said tank forsteam condensation, and steam and water valves controlling said supply,reciprocating power-propelled valve operating mechanism acting to openand close said steam valve, and spring-actuated locking means forlocking said water valve in a movement in the direction of the valve.operatmg mechanism and released by said mechanism in a movement in anopposite direction.

6, An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank, suitable valves forsupplying steam and Water to said tank for steam condensation, a vacuumgovernorin communication with and controlled by the vacuum in said tank,a Water power-propelled reciprocating valve operating mechanism actingto open and close said steam and Water valves, and

a spring-actuated reciprocating device controlling the movements of thevalve-operating mechanism, and a pivoted lever controlled by the vacuumgovernor and governlng the movement of the spring-actuated rec procatingdevice.

17. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank, suitable steam andwater valves for supplying steam and water to said tank for steamcondensation, a spring -controlled vacuum governor in communication withand controlled by the vacuum within the tank, a power propelledreciprocating valve operating mechanism acting to open and close saidsteam supply valve, and spring-actuated reciprocating means controllingthe movement of the valve operating mechanism, and spring-actuatedlocking means coacting with the valve controlling mechanism to move andlock said Water valve in an open position and automatically release saidlocking means in a movement to close said valve.

18. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank,

suitable valves for supplying steam and wa 'ter to said tank for steamcondensation, a

vacuum governor in communication with and controlled by the vacuumWithin said tank, reciprocating valve operating mechanism acting to openand close said steam valve, a spring-actuated reciprocating tubeco-acting with and controlled in reciprocation by the valve operatingmechanism and acting to control the movement of said mechanism, apivoted controlling lever control-led by the vacuum governor at one end,and engaging means upon the reciprocating tube and at the other end ofsaid lever.

19. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum or tank, and suitable valvesfor controlling the admission of steam and water to said vacuum tankforsteam condensation, comprising a piston operated fluid, a cylinder, anda piston controlled valve cylinder, piston rods for controlling thepistons in the respective cylinders, and a cross-head connected withsaid rods, valve controlled means for controlling the supply of thefluid under pressure to the fluid cylinder, and means for supplying thevacuum tank with steam through the piston valve, a valve cock leadingwithin the vacuum tank, and means for supplying water thereto, mechanismacting automatically to control the admission of the fluid to the fluidpiston-operated cylinder, and means on the cross-head controlling thewater-supplying mechanism.

20. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank,

a piston operated valve cylinder, and valve admitting the fluid underpressure thereto, and a piston-operated valve cylinder admitting steamthereto, piston rods operating said fluid actuated, and valve piston connected therewith, and a cross-head connected with said piston rods, areciprocating tube having a longitudinal opening therein, and expansionsprings therein, shock absorbers for the ends of said tube, meansconnected with the said tube for operating the valve to the fluidactuated cylinder, means on the cross-head engaging with and compressingalternately said springs, and look ing and releasing devices carried bythe cross-head acting to hold and release the said reciprocating tube atthe end of a reciprocating tube movement.

21. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank,

a piston operated valve cylinder and valve admitting the fluid underpressure thereto, and a piston operated valve cylinder admitting steamthereto, means for conducting steam to said cylinders and from thence tosaid tank, piston rods connected with the respective pistons, and across-head connected with said piston rods, a reciprocating tube havinga longitudinal opening therein, and expansion springs in said tube,shock absorbers for the ends of said tube, means connected with saidtube for operating the valve to the fluid-actuated cylinder, means onthe cross-head engaging with and com pressing alternately said springsin the reciprocating tube, locking means on the said tube and cross-headacting to hold the tube at the end of a tube reciprocating movement andrelease said tube in a reverse movement of the cross-head, a watersupply valve cock leading within the tank, a pivoted operating leverconnected therewith, and a fixed tube having a longitudinal opening, aspringactuated sliding plate operating the valvecontrolling lever andcontrolled by the cross-head in its movements. 7

22. An apparatus for producing and maintaining the vacuum in steamheating systems, comprising a closed vacuum tank, a piston-operatedvalve cylinder, and a rotary valve admitting fluid to said cylinderunder pressure, and a hollow cylinder for steam, and connecting platesfor said cylinders, a piston valve in said steam cylinder, a steam pipeleading within the vacuum tank in communication with said valvecylinder, piston rods connected with the respective pistons, and across-head connected with the piston rods, a reciprocating tube having alongitudinal opening therein, and expansion springs in said tube, a lugoperable between said openings, suitable supporting and yielding meansfor said reciprocating tube, and means on said reciprocating tubeconnected with and operating the rotary valve on the fluid-operatedcylinder, a bar in the cross head connected with the lug on saidreciprocating tube, locking means on said tube and said connectingplates for the cylinders acting to hold the tube at the end of areciprocating movement, and means on the cross-head acting to releasesaid tube in a reverse movement of the cross-head, a water supply cockleading within the tank, and a pivoted operating lever connectedtherewith, a fixed tube having a longitudinal opening, a spring actuatedsliding plate operatively connected with the lever operating the watervalve, means on the cross-head operating the sliding plate in said tube,locking means for said sliding plate, and re leasing means on thecross-head, a valve box and valve on the fluid operated piston cylinder,an arm controlling said valve, a springactuated recoiling bar connectedwith the arm on the valve in the valve box, and an arm on thecross-head, and a lug on the said recoiling bar with which the said armcomes normally into contact and opens the valve,

and a thermodynamic apparatus controlled by the heat of the steamadapted to raise the free end of the said valve operating bar.

23. In a valve operating mechanism for the valves to vacuum tanks forsteam condensation, the combination with a fluid motor cylinder andpiston, of a steam valve and cut-off connecting plate rigidly connectingsaid cylinder, and cut-ofl in alinement with each other, piston rodsoperating said piston and steam cut-oil, and a cross-head connected withsaidpiston rods, a rotary valve casing having ports, and a rotary valveacting to control the admission of the fluid to each end of the cylinderand exhaust the same, means for supplyingthe fluid under pressure to thevalve casing, and an indevthe reciprocations of said valve controllingmember, self-engaging means on said member and the connecting lates' forthe cyl1nder, and steam out o and disengaging means therefor, andcross-head acting to permit of a recoil of the valve controlling memberindependently of'the reverse movement of the cross-head.

2a. In a valve operating mechanism for the' valves tovacuum tanks forsteam condensation, the combination with a fluid motor cylinder and itspiston, of a steam valve cut-ofl piston rod operating said piston, andsaid steam cut-off connecting. piston connecting said cylinder and saidsteam cutoff in alinement with each other, and an arm connected with thecross-heads, a valve casing, and a rotary valve having ports admittingthe fluid toeach end of the cylinder and exhausting the same, areciprocating valve operating closed tube having an opening therein, anda plunger within the tube with which the arm on the cross-head is con'-nected, expanding and contracting springs within the tube which arealternately contracted by the said plunger, spring-actuated engagingdevices on the connecting plates for" the cylinder and steam: cut-off,and said reciprocatingtu'be co-acting to hold the tube at the end of areciprocating movement, and

releasing device on the cross-head acting to release said tube holdingdevices in a: re verse movement of the crosshead', whereby the rotativevalve on the fluid cylinder receives an initiative movement to changethe position of the valve ports in advance of the movement of thecross-head.

25. In valve operating mechanism forthe valves to vacuum tanksfor steamcondensation, the-combination with a fluid motor cylinder and piston, ofa steam valve cut-oflf cylinder, and piston valve-connecting platesconnecting said cylinders in alinement with each other, a steam pipeconnected with said valve cylinder, a valve casing on the fluid motorcylinder, and a rotary valve having ports which admit the fluid intoeach end of the cylinder alternately and exhaust the same, areciprocating valve operating tubular member, and supporting meanstherefor, on one ofthe connecting plates for said cylinder, springactuated pivoted plates on said cylinder, connecting plates havingengaging devices on their free ends, and corresponding devices on saidtubular member, upwardly-extending pins on said free ends of the tubeengaging devices, and a fixed tripping member on the cross-head adaptedto contact with said pins and release said tube I engaging member.

26. Invalve operating mechanismfor the steam and water valves to vacuumtanks, the combination with a fluid operated motor cylinder, and pistonand steam cut-off, and

with connecting plates connecting said cyl inder and cut-off inalinement with each other, and with piston rods operating said pistonand steam cut-oil, and a cross-head connected with the said pistons, avalve casing and alve on said fluid operated cylinder, and with meansfor operating said valve, of a water valve, and a reciprocating valveopening and closing member acting to open and close said water valve,and a catch on said member, and a spring-actuated pivoted catch memberconnected pivotally with the connecting plates for said cylinder andsteam cut-off and adapted to lock said reciprocating valve closingmember in position, and a releasing device on the crosshead adapted torelease said pivoted catch member in the reciprocation of the crosshead.

27. In valve operating mechanism for the steam and water valves tovacuum tanks, the combination with a fluid operated motor cylinder andpiston and a steam cut-off, and with connecting plates connecting saidcylinder and out ofl in alinement with each other, and with piston rodsoperating said piston and steam cut-off, of a cross-head connected withsaid pistons, a valve casing and valve on said fluid operated. cylinder,and means for supplying the fluid under pressure thereto, means foroperating said valve, and a water valve casing and valve, a fixed tubehaving longitudinal openings therein, a spring-actuated sliding plate insaid tube, means connected with said plate and Water valve to close saidvalve in one movement of the sliding plate, and means controlled by thecross-head for imparting a reverse movement to said sliding plate toopen said water valve.

28'. In a valve operating mechanism for the steam and water valves tovacuum tanks, the combination with a fluid operated motor cylinder andpiston, and a steam cut-off, and with connecting plates connecting saidcylinder and steam cut-off in alinement with each other, piston rodsoperating said piston and cut-off, and a cross-head connected with saidpiston rods, a valve casing and valve on the fluid operated cylinderhaving ports,

and means for supplying said fluid opera-t- .ing cylinder with fluidunder pressure, and

and provided with a head at its outer end,

an expanding and contracting spring within said tube bearing againstsaid lug and said sliding valve controlling plate, and an arm on thecross-head operatively connected with the sliding lug in said case.

29. A valve operating mechanism for the valves to vacuum tanks,comprising a stationary tube having longitudinal openings therein, asliding valve operating member provided with an inclined catch pin, anda sliding lug having an opening, and a rod connected with said slidingplate and extending through said lug and provided with a head, anexpanding and contracting spring within said tube bearing against saidplate, and said sliding lug, and a reciprocating member, and an arm onsaid member having its outer portion connected with said lug, apivotedplate having an inclined catch pin thereon, and a tripping arm onthe reciprocating member adapted to raise said pivoted plate in amovement toward said plate of the reciprocating member.

30. A valve operating mechanism for the water valves to vacuum tanks,comprising a stationary tube having longitudinal openings therein, asliding valve operating plate within said tube having an inclined catchpin, a sliding lug within said tube, and an arm of the reciprocatingmember yieldingly connected with said lug having an opening extendingtherethrough, a rod connected with said sliding valve operating platehaving a lug on its free end, an expanding and contracting spring withinsaid tube bearing against said valve operating plate and said lug, aspring-controlled pivoted plate having an inclined catch pin in the pathof the pin in said sliding plate, and a releasing device on thereciprocating member in the path of the spring controlled pivoted plate.

31. A valve operating mechanism for the water valve to vacuum tanks,comprising a stationary tube having longitudinal openings therein, asliding valve operating plate within said tube having a lug extendingthrough one of said openings, and a piv oted valve operating leverpivotally connected with said lug, said plate having an inclined catchpin extending through the other longitudinal opening,- a sliding lughaving an opening within said tube, a reciprocating member, and an armon said member having its free end yieldingly connected with said lug, acontracting and ex-- panding spring within said tube bearing upon saidvalve operating plate and said sliding lug, and a rod connected fixedlywith said valve operating plate and extending through the opening insaid lug and provided with a head, a pivoted catch plate having aninclined catch pin in the path of the pin on said sliding valveoperating plate and adapted to be held thereby in the movement of thereciprocating member, and

a platereleasing extended plate on the reciprocating member forreleasing said catch pins and permitting of the expansion of saidspring.

, 32. In mechanism for rapid liquid valve discharge movement, areciprocating mem-,

ber, an arm extending in one direction, and a releasing device or platein the other direction, a stationary tube having a longitudinal opening,a sliding plate therein, and an inclined catch pin thereon extendingthrough said opening, a sliding lug yieldingly connected with the lug onthe arm on the sliding member having an opening extending therethrough,a rod connected with the sliding plate and extending through the openingin said lug and having a head upon its free end, an expanding andcontracting spring within said tube hearing at one end against saidsliding plate and at the other against said sliding lug, a pivotedspring controlled and inclined catch pin thereon in the path of thecatch pins on the sliding plate in said tube adapted to hold saidsliding plate during the compression of said spring, and releasingdevice for said catch plate.

33. In valve operating mechanism for the steam and water valves to steamcondensing vacuum tanks, the combination with a fluid operated motor andpiston, of an outer steam cylinder having heads, and connecting devicesfor said motor and steam cylinder, an inner steam cylinder cut-ofi'connected with said heads and having a chamber for steam between saidouter and inner cylinders, said inner steam cylinder cut-off havingports leading to said steam chamber, a steam pipe connected with theouter cylinder, and piston rods in the respective cylinders, a fixed andmovable piston valve on said steam cut-01f cylinder and a cross headconnected with said piston rods, a valve casing and valve on the fluidmotor cylinder, and a water valve casing, and spring ac tuated recoilingdevices connected with the water valve, and releasable locking devicestherefor and acting independently of the cross-head to actuate the watervalve'at each discharge of the steam through the steam ports.

34:. In vacuum tanks for steam condensation, the mechanism for operatingthe water and steam valves, comprising a fluid operated motor cylinder,and piston, and piston rod, and an outer steam cylinder having heads,connecting plates connecting said cylinders in alinement with eachother, a steam cut-ofl cylinder within the outer steam cylinderconnected with the heads of said outer cylinder and having a chamber forthe steam between said outer and inner cylinders, and ports in saidinner cylinder leading into said steam chamber, a piston rod within saidinner steam cylinder, and fixed and movable piston valves on said rodacting to discharge the steam through the ports in one direction of thevalve movement, and a discharge pipe for the steam leading from theother cylinder, a cross-head connected with the piston rods, a watervalve casing and valve, a spring retracted valve controlling device onthe vacuum tank, and locking means therefor controlled by thecross-head, and releasing means on the cross-head therefor whereby therapid discharge of the water from the water valve is coincident to adischarge of the steam from the steam discharge pipe.

35. In vacuum tanks for steam condensation, the mechanism for operatingthe water and steam valves, comprising a fluid operated motor cylinderand piston, and piston rod, and an outer steam cylinder having heads,and an inner steam cylinder or cutoff connected with said heads andhaving a concentric steam chamber between said outer and inner steamcylinder, connecting plates connected with the respective fluid operatedand outer steam cylinders, a piston rod With in the inner steamcylinder, and fixed and inder having ports intermediate the ends of thecylinder for the discharge of steam into the steam chamber in onedirection of movement, a cross-head connected with said piston rods ofthe respective fluid operated and steam cylinders, a water valve casingand valve, a spring-controlled locking device actuating the water valve,an arm on the cross-head acting to move said locking device into alocking position, and a releasing device on the cross-head acting torelease said spring-controlled locking device upon the movement of thecross-head to operate the steam valve in the steam cylinder for adischarge of the steam through the steam ports.

LESLIE HOPKINS.

Witnesses:

ROBERT O. MoLIN, ANNIE L. GREER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0.

